NBA '08 Playoff Thread

Yeah I think Rondo is a much better defender right now. I'd say he's above average in that respect. It's not a perfect comparison, but I do see some similarities.

 

Let's not get too crazy about Rondo here. He's a good defender, and he came through tonight in a game his team really needed him to step up. But I want to see him do it again before I'm going to buy he has this offensive thing figured out.

 

He did it in Game 1 as well, if I recall. I remember a co-worker and I talking that night about how he was going to be a major problem like Parker was for the Cavs in the Finals. Turns out it's only been two games, but those are two huge game the Cavs pissed away.

 

10.6 points, 5.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 turnovers, 49.2 FG %. I don't think most of us are saying he has it all figured it out, but it's been more than one or two games. Those are his stats from 77 games this season -- his second season, which was predicted by many to be a major struggle for this "project."

Parker's second season numbers: 15.5 points, 5.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 turnovers, 46.4 FG %. I'm not saying Parker is the standard all PGs should be held to. But he is very good and I think Rondo is showing signs of developing into that level player. He'll never be Chris Paul or Steve Nash, but you could do worse than Tony Parker.

 

You could definitely do a lot worse than Tony Parker. And you could be right, I'm sure you've seen the guy a lot more than I have. Game 4 kind of dropped his stock in my eyes, so that's probably an unfair lens I'm viewing him through.

 

I have to admit, I don't know a heck of a whole lot about Utah, but do they always play defense this bad? I don't remember a Jerry Sloan team letting the other team just score at will.

I know LA's good, but seriously.

 

Fun basketball game to watch.
You could tell Kobe's back isn't 100 percent yet. I don't think he even attempted a field goal in the final quarter. Yet, he still dominated the action by getting to the free throw line and also setting his teammates up for easy shots. It's that type of performance that show just how far he's come as a player and why he deserved the MVP award this season. He's now able to control a game without even attempting a shot.

I think the Lakers end the series in Game 6 on Friday. Usually when Kobe and Phil Jackson smell blood, they'll go to great lengths to end it and, after tonight's game, Kobe's supporting cast has to really be feeling confident.

 

Agreed. This was the game the Jazz needed to have to win the series, with it being so close late. I just don't see how the Jazz will win the series. Lakers probably ought to close it out in six.

 

you mean shaq and phil jackson, right?

 

Good point, Tom.

 

Yeah, good point, Tom.

Shaq was so clutch; I remember how many daggers he hit during the title runs. Undeniable killer instinct. And his supreme dedication to the game always ensured his team would win.

Christ. Which Lakers team were you guys watching in those years?

 

i was watching this team:

lakers playoffs

shaq

96-97 - 26.9, 10.6
97-98 - 30.5, 10.2
98-99 - 26.6, 11.6
99-00 - 30.7, 15.4
00-01 - 30.4, 15.4
01-02 - 28.5, 12.6
02-03 - 27.0, 14.8
03-04 - 21.5, 13.2

bryant

96-97 - 8.2, 1.2
97-98 - 8.7, 1.9
98-99 - 19.8, 6.9
99-00 - 21.1, 4.5
00-01 - 29.4, 7.3
01-02 - 26.6, 5.8
02-03 - 32.1, 5.1
03-04 - 24.5, 4.7


bryant wasn't no shaq, dog.